Advice and Tools
For every step of your Ostomy Journey
SASS aims to advocate and align the standard of Stoma care and services across South Africa which will be applicable to both the private and public sectors.
Ostomy Care
Tips and Tricks
The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a Non-profit organization formed by Ostomates across Southern Africa to facilitate a “holistic” approach to ostomy patient care by bridging the gap between the private and public sectors whilst advocating for the rights of fellow ostomates throughout the country.
SASS VALUE STATEMENT
SASS is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of ostomates across South Africa. We strive to bridge the gap between private and public healthcare sectors, ensuring that all ostomates receive the highest standard of care.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, education, and resources to empower ostomates and their families, helping them navigate their new normal with confidence and dignity. By collaborating closely with clinicians and healthcare professionals, we ensure that our community receives expert care and guidance.
Aligning with global standards set by The International Ostomy Association (IOA), we aim to foster a community where every ostomate feels supported, informed, and valued.
Featured Topics
For Living with a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy
Help us achieve
What we set out to achieve with YOUR help
GET EDUCATED
Medically reviewed surgery-specific information. Making sure you have access to the best possible care. Ostomy pouch management tips, diet & nutrition, skincare, sexuality, travel tips and more!
FEEL SUPPORTED
Support to you & your family whilst you transition into your new normal. You will have access to a local peer support group, where you can get answers to questions, or connect with our Facebook community.
BE AN ADVOCATE
We aim to advocate the standard of Stoma care across private and public sectors, whilst aligning with the global standards set out by The International Ostomy Association (IOA).
Every ostomate has a story.
No two patients are the same, while our journeys may be similar, each person deserves care and support tailored to their unique needs.
From diagnosis to surgery and recovery, the journey can be challenging — but the right support and education make all the difference.
Community organisations play a vital role in helping patients navigate life after surgery.
Learn more about support resources
sasstomates.org.za
#PatientSupport #OstomyCommunity #CancerJourney #SASSTOMATES
Eid Mubarak to all members of our community celebrating.
May this special time bring peace, strength, and togetherness to you and your loved ones.
From all of us at SASS — we celebrate with you.
Small lifestyle choices can support long-term colon health.
You can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by:
• Eating fibre-rich foods
• Staying physically active
• Avoiding smoking
• Limiting processed foods
• Knowing your family history
Prevention starts with awareness.
#healthyliving #ColonHealth #CancerPrevention
Know the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer often develops silently, and many early warning signs are easy to dismiss.
Your body may be telling you something important.
Symptoms may include:
• Blood in your stool
• Changes in bowel habits
• Persistent abdominal discomfort
• Feeling like your bowel does not empty completely
• Unexplained fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored.
Early detection can make a life-saving difference.
Listen to your body.
Speak to a healthcare professional.
#ColorectalCancerAwareness #KnowTheSymptoms #EarlyDetectionSavesLives
Surgeons Drive the Ostomy Conversation.
From pre-operative planning to long-term follow-up, surgeons shape patient outcomes in ostomy care.
Join SASS Conference 2026 to explore:
* Advanced colorectal surgical techniques
* Pre-op screening strategies
* Integrated multidisciplinary care
2–3 October 2026 | Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
Register for updates: www.sass2026.co.za
#SASSConference2026 #ColorectalSurgery #OstomyCare #MultidisciplinaryCare #ClinicalExcellence
Nurses Lead in Ostomy Care.
Prevention. Early intervention. Long-term skin integrity.
Join the conversation at SASS Conference 2026 and gain practical, nurse-led strategies for:
* Advanced peristomal skin management
* Managing leakage and appliance challenges
* Case-based learning you can apply immediately
2–3 October 2026 | Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
Register for updates: www.sass2026.co.za
#SASSConference2026 #OstomyCare #NurseLedCare #PeristomalSkin #ClinicalSkills #MultidisciplinaryCare
March | Colorectal Cancer Awareness
At SASS we say:
💜 Talk about gut health.
💜 Break the stigma.
💜 Support ostomates with dignity.
45+? Family history?
Speak to your healthcare provider about screening.
A simple test could change a life.
Share this.
Start the conversation.
Encourage screening.
#ColorectalCancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #OstomyPride #SASSTOMATES
Movement matters after a stoma.
Abdominal wall integrity.
Core stability.
Hernia prevention.
Functional recovery.
Biokineticists and Physiotherapists are integral to long-term ostomy outcomes.
Join the multidisciplinary conversation at SASS Conference 2026.
2–3 October 2026
Century City Conference Centre, Cape Town
Register for updates:
www.sass2026.co.za
#SASSConference2026 #Physiotherapy #Biokinetics #Rehabilitation #OstomyCare #MultidisciplinaryCare
SASS Blog
What has been happening at SASS
Restoring Dignity Through Partnership & Education
SASS and Helen Joseph Hospital Lead the Way in Stoma Care In April and May 2025, the South African Society of Stomates (SASS) partnered with Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) in Johannesburg for a multi-day capacity-building initiative aimed at improving stoma care services in the public health system. What started as a workshop quickly became a […]
SASS IS PROUDLY AFFILIATED WITH
SASS Is Proudly Supported By
